I have so many thoughts lately that blogging has been a challenge because I have so much to say. That, mixed with no time to really think or process or write it out TO say it. I'm actually really excited for maternity leave. Focus issues and fatigue are NO JOKE at Week 35. People don't just say it. It's legit.

29 days, guys. 29 days until my due date and it's become really real. Mr. Charming finished the wainscoting this past weekend and tonight he paints. Then all of the furniture can go back and decorating can resume! We are waiting until Baby P arrives to add a majority of the "decor" elements because of the color palettes we chose, but there will be enough to make it feel homey and lovely and ready for our little boy or girl to come home to.

We've been receiving beautiful neutral baby gifts ever since the baby shower, like the adorable grey onesie and shoes in the nursery above. Mr. Charming and I have been reading book after book after book devouring all the information we can on birth partnering, the Bradley Method, natural birth and naturally birthing in a hospital setting. Which brings me to our big decision.

We decided to hire a doula.

Now, for most of you who are readers or clients of mine, it probably wouldn't shock you so much since you know my lifestyle and most of you live a similar lifestyle. And natural labor and birth care is just the norm. However, I knew this decision would be a controversial one in family and friend circles and I actually took pause before making the choice. Then I realized, this is my birth. This is our baby and our experience. No one elses. So I called her, signed the contract and something in me relaxed. To have that extra professional support for Mr. Charming and myself through the biggest day of our lives is something that was important to me.

Having gone back and forth on it, and studying it like crazy like I do, Mr. Charming and I both got on board and I feel like God led me to the right birth team for me. And that's all that matters. I have to remember that. Little people pleasing Mandi needs to remember that.

She's been a wonderful coach thus far and got me going on Red Raspberry Leaf tea to prepare my uterus, dates to prepare my cervix and my chiropractor has been an awesome part of our team as well to help align everything for the birth. We are coming down to the wire to where it's just going to be us, having studied and prepared as much as we could, labor and birth is going to be what it is going to be.

It's going to be what God planned it to be. And I'm telling myself daily, I can fight it or accept it. And I know in my heart, mind and soul, that accepting it is the only option, haha.

Mandi,
Congrats on a great decision! A doula is another pair of hands and another heart aligned with your desires for your delivery. I didn't have access to a doula, but prepared obsessively with Bradley materials. My husband was an amazing advocate for me during my deliveries, bring proactive to tell every healthcare provider what my wishes were and safeguarding my autonomy. I had two wonderful, natural deliveries in a hospital because of God's mercy and grace, and our preparation and teamwork! Praying for a smooth and wonderful labor and delivery for you guys! You will be amazing.

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Nosh & Nurture was born of this journey I am on to better the health of myself, my family and those around me. What started as a simple compilation of recipes has grown to a all-around lifestyle journal with ways to incorporate organic products into your home, pantry and beauty cabinet. I also include stories on pregnancy, new motherhood, travel, Proverbs 31 marriage, and spiritual health, as I am a Christian who couldn't do any of this without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. For more of my story you can click here.

All recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free with a lot of soy-free, grain-free, sugar-free options.

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